Freshwater Turtle Welfare in the Asian Food and Medicine Trade

Dozens of Asian freshwater turtle species face extinction from collection for food markets and traditional medicine, with severe welfare harms throughout the supply chain.

Key Facts

More freshwater turtle species are threatened than any other vertebrate group
Southeast Asian turtles have been described as facing a silent extinction crisis
Some species sell for thousands of dollars each in Chinese medicine markets
Collection pressure has emptied many rivers of turtles in a generation
Transit mortality in the trade is extremely high from overcrowding and disease

Welfare Considerations

Freshwater turtles in the food and medicine trade are transported in severely overcrowded conditions causing crushing injuries, infections, and dehydration. Live animals sold in markets may be left in inappropriate conditions for extended periods before sale. Traditional slaughter methods including live decapitation and evisceration cause prolonged suffering. Turtles removed from wild populations may have formed long-term pair bonds; separation causes distress in cognitively capable animals. The scale of collection has eliminated entire local populations causing ecosystem disruption that harms many other species.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught freshwater turtles or products derived from them
Support TRAFFIC and WCS campaigns against turtle trade
Donate to Asian turtle rescue and breeding programs
Advocate for stronger enforcement against turtle trade across Southeast Asia
Raise awareness about the Asian freshwater turtle extinction crisis